Makeup Training 101: What Is Makeup Theory?

If you’re a practicing makeup artist, you know the importance of the theory behind every application.

Or, if you’re just starting out in the beauty industry, let us enlighten you on how learning makeup theory can change the game!

Every client has a different skin type and tone, and a unique face shape. This means that you, the trusted makeup artist, have to choose the right products. But how do you know which ones will best match your client’s skin?

What is it?

Makeup theory is pretty easy to explain, but much less-so to actually learn.

Your makeup applications work with your client’s skin to produce a finished product, right? Right. Now how can you be sure that this finish is going to stay for as long as possible? You need to pick the appropriate products that will complement your client.

Not only is it about knowing different types of products and being able to match them to skin types, you also need to be well-versed in color theory. A knowledge of undertones helps you enhance your client’s natural beauty, and then add to it. Before choosing your shades and colors, you need to do a careful assessment!

When you learn about the theory, your makeup techniques become more flawless than ever. Plus, you lessen the risk of having an unhappy customer! When you know about how skin works, and how to work with different conditions, you can give clients an experience that’s 10x better than the average makeup appointment.

Why do you need it?

In addition to understanding your client’s skin, makeup theory also helps to improve your technique. Consider this: you have a client with an oval face shape, and she wants her face to appear shorter than it really is. How are you going to work this magic?

You guessed it: by using your theory work! Mapping out face shapes will help you know exactly where to apply products to give a desired effect.

We know – contouring isn’t just for makeup artists. But when you’re working on a face other than your own, you need to know where to position the contour to create a chiseled look, rather than leaving a dark streak across your client’s face!

Think about eye shapes, as well. You may have large, round eyes and can make your smoky eye look perfect, but you also need to practice on other shapes. Take hooded eyes, for example. A smoky eye is tough to master on a hooded eye shape – and the technique is very different!

Without your theory training, you won’t be able to give your clients a makeup look catered to their facial type and shape.

How to use it:

Knowing makeup theory off by heart comes with experience, so start looking for models! Practice what you’ve learned with different skin types, tones, face shapes, and age groups. This is a start to being able to work on any customer that comes through the door!

Knowing how to create looks on different faces will help you distinguish yourself as a true pro. If you’re trying to copy looks that you’ve been inspired by, you’ll quickly realize that they do not look the same! You need to adapt your technique and placement to suit your client’s skin.

And when in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask your client! They know their skin best, and can give you insights on what has worked for them in the past. Plus, you can give them some great tips and tricks to make their beauty routine that much better!